Image Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

“Everyone Thinks It’s Just Caitlin, But Everybody’s Getting Bumped”- WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Caitlin Clark’s Controversy

WNBA Commissioner opened up on the Caitlin Clark's bullying issue.

Image Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has taken the league by storm ever since her debut in the 2024 season. While she has been one of the biggest reasons behind the popularity of the WNBA, Clark has to be on the receiving end of disrespectful behavior for other stars, fan harassment, wrong fouls, and so much more. What upsets fans is how the league and its management has been mum and blindfolded about the issue.

However, recently WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert broke her silence and addressed the issue, claiming that not only Clark but everyone has been a part of it. While speaking to Daily Mail, Engelbert said, “I know there’s that perception (about bullying) and obviously we’re the best women’s basketball league in the world.” She added, “I think people love watching our game, and it is physical. Everyone thinks it’s just Caitlin, but everybody’s getting bumped.”

Engelbert went on to applaud Clark for the way she handled everything. She said, “All our players are experiencing it. Caitlin has been great. She’s handled it great. I’m proud of Caitlin on how she’s handled all this. I’m proud of all the others and how they’re handling it with grace. But it’s a physical game on the court, and I think players understand that.”

Cathy Engelbert Announces WNBA’s New Initiative- ‘No Space for Hate’

The WNBA announced its new campaign, “No Space for Hate”, campaign before the start of the new season. The campaign has been designed to fight against hate as well as promote all WNBA games and spaces. Cathy Engelbert announced the campaign and said, “As the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and influence, we’re proud to launch ‘No Space for Hate’ — a league-wide initiative to better protect players, preserve the spirit of the game, and affirm the values of our league. We believe that basketball can be a unifying force — a place where people from all walks of life come together not just to watch a game, but to connect.”

Under the campaign, the WNBA will use AI-powered technology system to monitor hate speech and harassment towards players on social media. It aims at protecting players and uphold their respect and unity. This comes as a powerful reminder that there is no place for harassment and hate in women’s sports.

Caitlin Clark

Cathy Engelbert

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.